Experience These Epic Exhibits for Half-Price During Macy’s Museum Month

Mark your calendars and get ready for endless museum-hopping fun because Macy’s Museum Month is back! Residents and visitors of San Diego can get half-price admission at over 40 museums for the month of February. Just pick up a Museum Month pass from any Macy’s store in San Diego, Imperial Valley or Temecula starting Feb. 1st. Passes are free and reusable and good for up to four half-price admissions at participating museums. We’ve put together a list of the exhibits we think your littles will like best. Read on for our top picks!

Downtown

photo: USS Midway

USS MidwayInstead of watching another trying episode of SpongeBob, take your first mates for a real adventure at sea. Wear your walking shoes and climb aboard The USS Midway for an in-depth look at a massive aircraft carrier. You’ll experience “Midway Magic” created by the many dedicated, passionate volunteers who value kids’ questions about their real-life history with the aircraft on board. Climb into planes, take cool photos on the flight deck and enjoy the beautiful view of San Diego’s skyline.

The New Children’s MuseumYour family will marvel at the Museum’s new installation Crystal Cortex. Made entirely of balloons that resemble animals and insects, this floating exhibit that towers toward the high atrium ceiling will take your breath away. Hurry! The exhibit only lasts until the end of April. As always, paint, sculpt, and play among the highly interactive art displays. Also this month, enjoy drop-in projects centering around a Valentine’s theme.

Balboa Park Favorites

photo: Fleet Science Center

Fleet Science CenterDo you get wetter running versus walking in the rain? Does toast always land buttered-side down? Families will quench their curiosity for facts like these at “MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition.” Based on the popular TV show, learners of all ages use the scientific method to expose the truth behind their favorite myths, according to Steve Snyder, CEO of the Fleet Science Center. Explore flight, friction, gravity, speed and combustion using gadgets, props, video and blueprints just like the hosts on the show.

If you loved Taping Shape, you’ll be excited to explore Taping Shape 2.0. Curve, slope and twist your way through this fun exhibit made completely of packing tape and shrink wrap. New exhibits open Feb.24.

Insider’s Tip: Every third Saturday, The Fleet hosts Autism Accessibility Mornings. Enjoy the exhibit galleries in a quieter setting, an hour before regular open hours with access to a special cool-off space. Admission includes a special IMAX film screening at 10 a.m. with house lights on and a lower soundtrack volume. This month’s Autism Accessibility Morning is Feb.17th.

Air and Space MuseumGot a speed demon tearing around your house? Take them to the engaging new exhibit at The Air & Space Museum. SPEED: Science in Motion features a race track where drivers test their skills in a simulator. In the Fitness Testing Area pretend to be a Formula One driver measuring reaction time, peripheral vision and heart rate. Explore the workshop and learn all the details behind engines, aerodynamics and motion.
Opens Feb. 3.

The NATGet up close and personal like a real scientist does with creatures great and small from the NAT’s incredible storage vault. Specimens never seen before by the public are currently displayed at the NAT’s newest exhibit: Unshelved. Click here to get all the details.

San Diego Museum of ArtYoung artists won’t want to miss the highly interactive exhibit Frida and Me. Create self portraits, a family tree and learn the incredible facts that made Kahlo such a world-renowned artist. The exhibit ends March 11.

La Jolla

photo: Birch Aquarium

Birch AquariumBesides boasting the best view in town, Birch Aquarium is home to some incredible science. On a beautiful day, don’t miss the outdoor play area Boundless Energy where kids use up their energy and explore the renewable energy of wind, sun and waves. Step inside the new Infinity Cube to explore bioluminescence just like fish who live deep in the ocean. You can pretend you’re onboard a real ship at the R/V Sally Ride where a giant screen spans the whole length of the exhibit and rocks just like a boat. See what it’s like to live and work at sea. Try on survival suits and hear from the ship’s real crew of scientists.